California Access Coalition

03/24/2026

CAC's ED, Dr. Clark Harvey, recently joined pediatric residents at UC Davis to discuss how physicians can play a powerful role in shaping public policy.

From elevating patient voices to advancing systems-level change, the conversation highlighted the critical intersection of clinical care and advocacy and the unique position physicians hold to influence policies that improve behavioral health outcomes for children, families, and communities. 📢

CAC is proud to support and inspire future physician leaders to use their expertise beyond the clinic! 👏

03/19/2026

A recent article from California Health Report highlights the growing demand for crisis response teams across California, even as potential budget cuts put these critical services at risk.

CAC’s Executive Director, Dr. Clark Harvey, was featured in the article underscoring the importance of sustained investment in crisis systems that are designed to meet people with care—not criminalization. 📢

🔗 Read the full release: https://bit.ly/4sgSWQl

03/18/2026

As Gavin Newsom pushes to expand California’s CARE Court program with $291 million in new funding, behavioral health leaders say implementation must be matched with real resources.

CAC's Executive Director, Dr. Le Ondra Clark Harvey, emphasized that the program’s impact depends on counties having the housing, workforce, and treatment services needed to support people with severe mental illness.

🔗 Read the full release: https://www.kqed.org/news/12075065/newsom-expands-mental-health-court-program-and-calls-out-sf-for-falling-behind

03/18/2026

CAC's Executive Director, Dr. Clark Harvey, was recently featured in Mental Health Weekly discussing California’s ongoing efforts to strengthen behavioral health systems through initiatives like CARE Court, Homekey housing investments, and expanded treatment capacity.

As the state continues to address the intersection of serious mental illness, homelessness, and access to care, Dr. Clark Harvey emphasized the importance of pairing housing solutions with clinical and supportive services. 🗣️

CAC remains committed to elevating the voices of community-based providers and advancing solutions that integrate housing, treatment, and long-term supports to help individuals achieve stability and recovery. 👏

🔗 Read the full release: https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/mhw.34789

03/11/2026

We were thrilled to see our CAC Corporate Partners at CBHA's 2026 Spring Policy Forum: Unwavering Advocacy in Turbulent Times. It was a great opportunity to connect with our members and corporate partners during such timely policy discussions. Thank you for showing up, staying engaged, and continuing to support the important work happening across the behavioral health community!

03/10/2026

California’s delay of new psychiatric hospital staffing rules to June 1 has sparked important conversations about access to behavioral health care.

Featured in two recent articles, our Executive Director, Dr. Le Ondra Clark Harvey, cautioned against changes that could unintentionally reduce care capacity: “We don’t need rules that risk worsening an already very, very fragile system.”

Dive into the articles to understand the implications.

California mental health hospitals warn of cuts after state hands down staffing rules: https://calmatters.org/health/2026/01/emergency-psychiatric-staffing-rules-delayed/

San Diego psychiatric hospitals have more time to meet new state staffing rules: https://www.kpbs.org/news/health/2026/02/03/san-diego-psychiatric-hospitals-have-more-time-to-meet-new-state-staffing-rules

03/07/2026

As we begin the new month, CAC takes a moment to recognize several meaningful observances throughout March. This month invites us to reflect on equity, honor the contributions of advocates and leaders, and uplift communities working toward a more inclusive and supportive society. It also highlights the importance of behavioral health, reminding us that mental health, community support, and access to care are essential to individual and collective well-being.

🌸 Women’s History Month — A time to celebrate the achievements, leadership, and lasting impact of women throughout history and in our communities today.

⚖️ Gender Equity Month — A time to recognize the importance of fairness and equal opportunity for people of all genders, and to continue advancing policies and practices that promote equity in every space.

💼 National Social Work Month — A month to honor the dedication of social workers who support individuals, families, and communities through advocacy, care, and essential services.

👩🏽‍🤝‍👩🏼 International Women’s Day (March 8) — A global day recognizing the social, economic, cultural, and political achievements of women while continuing the call for gender equality.

🧠 World Bipolar Day (March 30) — A day dedicated to raising awareness about bipolar disorder, reducing stigma, and promoting understanding and support for those affected.

🏳️‍⚧️ Transgender Day of Visibility (March 31) — A day to celebrate transgender people and raise awareness of the challenges the transgender community continues to face.

🌾 Cesar Chavez Day (March 31) — A day to honor the life and legacy of labor leader and civil rights activist Cesar Chavez, whose work advanced workers’ rights and social justice.

02/26/2026

California Life Sciences kicked off its 2nd Annual Rare Disease Day in Sacramento alongside the California Rare Disease Caucus and the patient community, bringing attention to rare conditions and strengthening statewide advocacy.

Jorge Cruz, our Legislative Coordinator, met with key offices—including Assemblymembers Becker, Addis, and others—to advance conversations around access and equity. We were also glad to connect with our partners from the California Chronic Care Coalition and Neurocrine, whose collaboration helps amplify our collective impact.

California Access Coalition is proud to be part of this meaningful event and to stand with advocates and leaders committed to improving outcomes for the rare disease community.

02/26/2026

Amplifying Black excellence isn’t just a moment. It’s a movement.

Our Executive Director reminds us why elevating Black voices is essential to building a more equitable and inclusive future.

Honoring Black History Month today and every day.

This Black History Month, we amplify the voices of Black excellence. Black leaders from the Capital Region share their inspiring perspectives."Black excellen...

02/05/2026

As we begin the new month, CAC takes a moment to recognize several meaningful observances throughout February. This month invites us to reflect, spread support, celebrate connection, and honor the histories and communities that shape the Nation.

✊🏾 Black History Month — A time to honor the achievements, resilience, and contributions of Black leaders and communities, past and present.

🎗️ World Cancer Awareness Day — A day to raise awareness, support prevention and early detection, and stand with patients, survivors, and caregivers.

🎓 National School Counselor Week — A week to recognize and thank school counselors for their dedication to supporting students’ academic, social, and emotional well-being.

💗 Valentine’s Day — A time to celebrate care, compassion, and connection in all its forms.

🇺🇸 Presidents' Day — A day to reflect on leadership, public service, and the values that shape our nation.

01/12/2026

As we begin the new year, CAC takes a moment to recognize several meaningful observances throughout January. This month invites us to reflect, celebrate renewal, and honor the histories and communities that shape California.

🎆 New Year’s Day — A time to welcome new beginnings, set intentions, and reflect on the year ahead.

✊🏽 Martin Luther King Jr. Day — A day to honor the life and legacy of Dr. King and recommit ourselves to equity, justice, and service to our communities.

🤰🏽 Maternal Health Awareness Day — An opportunity to uplift the importance of maternal health and advocate for equitable, accessible care for all birthing people.

🕯️ International Holocaust Remembrance Day — A solemn day of remembrance to honor the millions of lives lost and to reaffirm our commitment to combating hatred and antisemitism.

Wishing all communities a reflective, meaningful, and hopeful start to the year. ✨

01/06/2026

Recent reporting shows that an expanding number of California sheriff’s departments are changing how they respond to 911 calls involving mental health crises. Instead of automatically dispatching law enforcement to these non-violent situations, several counties — including Sacramento and El Cajon — have adopted policies where deputies only respond if a crime has occurred or someone is in imminent danger.

🔗 Read the full article to learn more about how gaps in crisis response are affecting California communities: https://bit.ly/3YstJFx